The 25th Coronation Anniversary and 80th Birthday celebration of His Royal Majesty, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun, the Oloja of Epe, became a platform for robust discussions on the role of traditional rulers in modern governance.
Ekohotblog reports that delivering the keynote address at Jubilee Chalet, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, SAN, former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, emphasized the urgent need to integrate traditional institutions into Nigeria’s governance system.
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He argued that sidelining these institutions has contributed to rising insecurity and a widening gap between the government and the grassroots.
“There was a time in this country when traditional rulers were the custodians of law and order.
They were not just symbols of culture; they were the first point of contact for governance, justice, and security.
But today, their authority has been eroded by political structures that fail to recognize their value,” Prof. Fagbohun stated.
He lamented that insecurity, communal conflicts, and a lack of trust in government institutions persist because traditional rulers, who possess deep community ties and conflict resolution mechanisms, have been largely excluded from governance.
“When banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes occur, who do the people run to first? It is not the police, not the government, but their traditional leaders.
These rulers understand the dynamics of their communities, they know the people, and they have mechanisms for peacekeeping that have existed for centuries,” he added.
Calling for constitutional reforms, Prof. Fagbohun urged policymakers to formally integrate traditional rulers into governance, particularly in conflict resolution and security management.
“We cannot continue to sideline these institutions and expect peace. Government alone cannot solve all our problems.
It is time to integrate our traditional rulers into the governance structure in a way that is not just ceremonial but impactful,” he said.
Echoing his sentiments, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animashaun emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between traditional rulers and government agencies, noting that history has shown the effectiveness of traditional governance in maintaining order and justice.
“Our forefathers governed with wisdom and fairness, and society thrived under their leadership. We must restore that balance.
Traditional rulers should not just be seen as cultural figures but as partners in governance,” the monarch stated.
The event was attended by dignitaries, scholars, and community leaders, all of whom agreed on the importance of reevaluating the constitutional role of traditional rulers in Nigeria’s governance system.
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